Somali tycoon Abdirashid Duale sends aid to Turkey-Syria earthquake victims as death toll crosses 44,000

Dahabshiil, a multinational money transfer corporation under the leadership of Somali multimillionaire Abdirashid Duale, has donated TRY2 million ($107,000) to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD Baskanlik) to aid the families affected by the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

This contribution adds to the growing list of companies providing financial assistance to victims of the devastating earthquake, which has claimed more than 44,000 lives in southeast Turkey and northern Syria.

In addition to the efforts made by Dahabshiil, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also arrived in Turkey to announce $100 million (£83 million) in humanitarian aid, further bolstering relief efforts for those affected by this tragedy.

The company announced a generous donation of $107,000 in a show of solidarity with the Turkish government and people and expressed its commitment to continuing prayers for those affected by the recent earthquake.

In a demonstration of their ongoing support for those in need, the firm also contributed funds and essential items to aid the displaced families affected by the Las Anod conflict, including food and blankets to be distributed by local officials and residents.

Founded in 1970 by Mohamed Said Duale, Dahabshiil initially served as a remittance platform for migrants to send money to loved ones in East Africa.

Today, under the leadership of Abdirashid Duale, the company has expanded its reach to become the largest money transfer business in Africa, operating in 126 countries worldwide, with 40 in Africa.

Duale is recognized for his charitable contributions and support of vulnerable Somalis, such as the donation of $500,000 to the families affected by the bombing in Mogadishu.

In April 2022, he joined forces with other business leaders to raise $8 million to rebuild Waaheen Market, a project initiated by Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi.